BGCTC’s Youth Safety and Program Updates Related to COVID-19 Outbreak
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March 8, 2021
In early March, the President and Governor Inslee announced that childcare providers (this includes Boys & Girls Clubs staff) now qualify for vaccine. BGCTC leadership is working quickly to provide staff with information and resources on vaccine allocation and distribution. We have ensured our staff received the most up-to-date WA Department of Health guidelines and information on how to register for and locate available vaccine appointments, including location of mass vaccination drive through sites planned in Thurston County.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our staff have gone above and beyond to serve youth most in need in Thurston County. We are grateful to all of our youth development professionals for everything they have done to care for our community’s youth throughout this pandemic.
As school districts in Thurston County phase into hybrid instruction modes, BGCTC expects an increased need for Club memberships and programs. We are currently exploring options and working with school districts and families to determine the best use of resources for supporting Club program hours. If you have questions, please reach out to us at info@bgctc.org.
October 21, 2020
June 20, 2020 BGCTC’s Modified Summer Camp Programs Open with COVID-19 Health Protocols in Place
On June 20, BGCTC opened its doors to host full-day summer camp programming at five Thurston County branch locations. Weekly details can be found in the 2020 Summer Camp brochure. Many branch locations are already at capacity enrollment. Contact individual branch locations regarding availability.
In compliance with WA Department of Heath guidelines, camps must operate at reduced capacity and implement specific health protocols. The image below captures the highlights Club member and families can expect.
Practices being observed:
If Club staff or members test positive for COVID-19, BGCTC will follow these steps, as recommended by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA):
- Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 should stay home and separate themselves from others.
- If staff or Club members test positive for COIVD-19, that branch location will immediately close.
- BGCTC will notify local public health officials of any positive case for guidance and actions regarding closure.
- BGCTC’s CEO will submit appropriate details and report the outbreak to BGCA.
- In consultation with public health officials and BGCA, details about the incident and exposure will be shared with all stakeholders (e,g. Club families, volunteers).
- Branch location with exposure will be closed until appropriate (CDC guidelines) are met for cleaning and disinfecting the space.
- BGCTC will work in collaboration with local health officials to determine when to re-open closed areas. Re-opening is also contingent on BGCTC’s ability to staff branch locations at appropriate levels.
COVID-19 Guidance & Resources
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
The Washington state DOH has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.
Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Parents/guardians: The following resources contain guidance for reassuring youth during this challenging time and using techniques to share information in age-appropriate ways.